Watching your grocery budget dwindle is frustrating. Climate change and supply chain disruptions are driving up the prices of our favorite foods. The USDA predicts a 2.5% price hike in 2025. We’ve used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to highlight the foods most affected by rising costs.
Eggs

The cost of eggs has skyrocketed in recent months. They have seen a mind-blowing 62.6% increase from an average of $2.07 per dozen in October 2023 to $3.37 per dozen in October 2024. Although the peak of this price surge may have passed, egg prices remain high due to ongoing bird flu outbreaks. These outbreaks have impacted egg production, which has led to shortages and increased costs. You can buy eggs in bulk when on sale or opt for powdered eggs. Try egg substitutes in recipes to mitigate the impact of these higher prices.
Milk

The price of milk in the US has seen a steady increase, rising from an average of $3.92 per gallon in October 2023 to $4.04 per gallon in October 2024, a 2.9% increase. We can link this upward trend to rising feed costs for dairy cows, increased transportation expenses, and labor shortages within the dairy industry. These challenges have made milk less affordable for many families, particularly those with young children. To cope with rising prices, consider buying larger milk containers and freezing any extra for later use.
Processed Cheese

Processed cheese, such as Velveeta and Kraft Singles, has seen a 6.8% price increase from $4.73 per pound in October 2023 to $5.05 per pound in October 2024. With its basic ingredients and easy production process, the high cost of processed cheese has always been a bit of a sore point. This recent price hike makes it harder to justify buying these products, especially since they don’t offer much nutritional value.
Whole Wheat Bread

With bread becoming less affordable for many households, it’s time to take control. Whole wheat bread prices increased from $2.67 per pound in October 2023 to $2.83 in October 2024, a 6.1% increase. This hike is due to droughts, climate change, geopolitical issues affecting wheat production, and rising energy and labor costs. But there are practical solutions. To save on bread, try making your own at home. Choose discounted bread at stores and freeze extra bread to save money.
Rice

Rice’s price has increased 10% from $0.96 per pound in October 2023 to $1.05 per pound in October 2024. This rise in prices happened due to India’s decision to restrict rice exports to ensure domestic supply and adverse weather conditions in other rice-producing countries. To save money on rice, buy in bulk when prices are low and mix it with other grains like quinoa or barley.
Chicken

The price of chicken has increased by 3% from $1.92 per pound in October 2023 to $1.98 per pound in October 2024. The bird flu outbreak has significantly decreased the chicken supply and raised feed costs, which has led to higher prices. To save money on chicken, consider buying whole chickens and incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet.
Coffee

Coffee prices are skyrocketing in the US due to rough weather in Brazil and global supply chain issues. These factors, and the increasing global demand, are pushing prices upward. The prices have surged 7.5% from $6.17 per pound in October 2023 to $6.64 per pound in October 2024, reaching a 50-year high. As a result, consumers may experience higher costs for their daily cup of coffee.
Wine

Wine prices have increased by 1.9% from $13.50 per liter in October 2023 to $13.76 per liter in October 2024. Global economic concerns, supply chain disruptions, and unfavorable weather conditions have driven this price hike. Winemakers, especially smaller vineyards, have been hit hard by increased costs for glass and other materials. Despite these challenges, wine enthusiasts continue to appreciate the value of a good glass of wine.
Sugar

Climate change and rising energy costs have driven the global cost of sugar to its highest level since 2011. As a result, sugar prices have increased from $0.96 per pound in October 2023 to $1 per pound in October 2024, a 4.2% rise. To combat this, reduce your sugar consumption and use natural sweeteners like applesauce or mashed bananas in your recipes.
Ice-cream

Higher sugar prices and increased manufacturing costs have driven up ice cream prices by 4.2% over the past year, from $6.04 per half-gallon in October 2023 to $6.29 per half-gallon in October 2024. While this news might be disheartening for all those who love ice cream, it’s still possible to enjoy this frozen treat responsibly. Look out for sales and stock up when you can to get the best deals.
Fresh Fruits

Prices of most fruits are on the rise, with oranges up by 6.6% and strawberries by 0.5% over the past year. Climate-related issues like droughts, floods, wildfires, increased transportation costs, and labor shortages have all contributed to this price rise. To keep enjoying fruits without breaking the bank, focus on buying seasonal fruits, which are often less expensive. You can choose frozen fruits, which are usually cheaper and as nutritious as fresh ones.
Vegetables

Rising transportation costs and labor shortages have been driving up vegetable prices. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and other calamities can wreak havoc on crops, reduce yields, and drive up prices. For example, tomatoes saw a 6.2% price increase, and lettuce rose 7.9% over the last year. To save money, grow your own vegetables if you have space or buy frozen vegetables, which are often cheaper and just as nutritious.